Borkwalde(Germany) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Borkwalde, the top family-friendly option is Hotel am See, a lakeside boutique hotel offering spacious family rooms, kids’ play areas, and guided nature walks. Located near Borkwalde Lake, it provides direct access to forest trails and picnic zones. The hotel uses regional timber and eco-friendly design, reflecting Brandenburg’s rural charm. Guests can enjoy organic breakfasts made from local produce. Ideal for families seeking tranquility and immersion in Brandenburg’s countryside lifestyle, this hotel blends comfort with authentic German heritage.

The best area for staying in Borkwalde is the Lakeside District, bordering Borkwalde Lake. This serene zone offers quiet, scenic views and hosts several eco-lodges and family-run guesthouses like Ferienhaus Waldschlösschen, featuring private balconies and forest-facing windows. Easy access to hiking trails and sunset spots makes it perfect for photography and stargazing. Its proximity to Berlin—just one hour by car—makes it ideal for weekend getaways or short escapes from urban life, combining peace with convenience.

Don’t miss the annual Bauernfest (Farmers’ Festival) held in the town square, celebrating traditional Brandenburg crafts, antique farming tools, and folk costumes. Visitors can try handcrafting pottery, weaving straw hats, or tasting freshly baked rye bread. The historic Old Church hosts weekly folk music concerts on Saturdays, showcasing melodies from East Germany’s past. These events offer deep insight into the region’s agrarian roots and community spirit, making them essential for travelers seeking authentic Brandenburg culture.

The most photogenic landmark in Borkwalde is the Lake Bridge (Holzbrücke am See), a wooden footbridge spanning Borkwalde Lake, especially magical at sunrise when mist floats above the water. Another must-visit is the Old Mill Ruins (Alte Mühle), a 19th-century red-brick mill now housing an art gallery, where reflections in the still lake create stunning compositions. The Eichenweg Trail through the oak forest, with dappled sunlight and rustic cottages, also offers rich visual contrast. All these spots are ideal for early morning or golden hour photography.

While Borkwalde lacks large spas, the Biosphärenbad in Friedland is a top choice. This wellness center combines natural therapies with modern treatments, featuring thermal pools, forest baths, and aromatic massage rooms. Guests can book forest meditation sessions led by trained practitioners amid pine trees. Some local guesthouses like Gasthof Krone also offer herbal bath kits and relaxation massages, introducing visitors to Germany’s Waldtherapie (Forest Therapy) tradition—perfect for rejuvenating in nature.

The top cycling route is the Borkwalde Lake Loop (See-Rundweg), a 12-kilometer paved trail circling Borkwalde Lake, ideal for all skill levels. It passes through the Oak Forest Nature Reserve and birdwatching spots, with rest stops along the way. For a deeper experience, try the route to Breitenhof village, a scenic path through farmland and orchards, leading to historic stone houses and a local cider house. Bikes are available for rent in town, and many lodges provide free maps and GPS devices—perfect for exploring Brandenburg’s pastoral landscapes.

Must-try dishes in Borkwalde include Brandenburg-style Sauerbraten—slow-marinated beef served with sauerkraut and dark beer sauce—and freshly grilled Zander trout from Borkwalde Lake, pan-seared with herbs and butter. Don’t miss the Black Rye Honey Cake (Schwarzbrot-Mohnkuchen), made with regional rye flour and wildflower honey. These specialties are served at Rathausgaststätte, a centuries-old tavern with period decor and a warm atmosphere, offering an authentic taste of Brandenburg’s culinary heritage.

Evening options in Borkwalde focus on nature and culture. Join a Stargazing Lecture by local astronomers at the lakeside, using telescopes to view the Milky Way—best in late summer. Monthly Poetry Evenings at the Old Town Hall feature readings of nature-themed works by regional poets. For a relaxed drink, visit Hofgarten Bar, a cozy bar housed in a converted stable, serving craft beers and homemade fruit liqueurs with live acoustic music. The low-key vibe suits those seeking quiet evenings away from city noise.

Pension Waldblume and Ferienwohnung Holzhaus are pet-friendly accommodations in Borkwalde. Both welcome dogs and cats, offering pet beds, food bowls, and fenced backyards. Pension Waldblume even provides pet health kits with flea collars and waste bags. Many lodges offer maps highlighting nearby dog parks and veterinary clinics. With strong local support for animal-friendly stays, Borkwalde is one of Germany’s few rural towns embracing the Pet-Friendly Rural Stay concept.

Yes, Borkwalde is highly suitable for self-driving. It’s about 50 minutes from Berlin City Center via A113 highway, passing through scenic Brandenburg heaths and forests. Park at the Main Square Parking or Lakeside Public Lot, then explore on foot or bike. Local rental services offer electric bikes via smartphone app. While no train serves the town directly, buses connect from Berlin South Station to Friedland, followed by a shuttle—but schedules are infrequent. Self-driving remains the most flexible and enjoyable way to discover the heart of Brandenburg’s countryside.